NFL Draft 2012: Cincinnati Bengals Have Strong Interest in Iowa's Marvin McNutt

It’s no secret that the Cincinnati Bengals are entering the 2012 NFL draft looking for a receiver that can complement last year’s first-round selection, A.J. Green.

The Bengals could elect to address this need in the early rounds of the draft, but if they decide to wait until the third or fourth round, they seem to have a clear-cut target in Iowa wide receiver Marvin McNutt.

The Bengals attended Iowa’s pro day to presumably see McNutt in action, and a month later McNutt met with the Bengals privately.

McNutt is projected to be a late third- to mid-fourth-round pick this year after improving his stock, thanks to a strong scouting combine performance that saw him run a 4.48 40-yard dash. He possesses ideal NFL size to go along with his impressive speed standing at 6’3” and 216 lbs.

McNutt had a prestigious collegiate career on his way to becoming Iowa’s all-time leading receiver with 2,861 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns. He originally joined the Hawkeyes as a quarterback, but quickly made the transition to receiver and proceeded to set school records.

During his five years at Iowa, McNutt was the recipient of several team leadership awards, something that shows strong character. He was a permanent team captain for the entirety of his senior season and consistently hailed as a positive locker room presence.

On the field, McNutt has elite hands that allow him to make most catches and has the strength to create separation at the line. He isn’t the most elusive receiver in the open field, but has the ability to make opponents miss. He’s effective at tracking the ball and making good adjustments to poor throws.

McNutt fits the bill of what the Bengals are looking for in a No. 2 receiver. Green can stretch the field with his size and speed, but the team has been lacking a solid possession receiver that can run any route, including going over the middle. McNutt can do all of that while taking attention away from Green.

The Bengals have stated they are more comfortable with their receiver position than most realize. They like Armon Binns and want to see him get more playing time next season, but it’s hard to guess how much he’ll get saying he wasn’t dressed for any games last season.

Jordan Shipley is returning from injury but is a slot receiver, and Ryan Whalen and Andrew Hawkins are still trying to find a consistent role within the offense.

McNutt seems like a safe pick in the third round for Cincinnati. He has something that is very important in later round picks—tremendous upside. McNutt has unlimited potential considering he has only been playing the position for about three years—and playing opposite of Green could do wonders for his development.

When it’s all said and done, the Bengals will likely have taken at least one receiver in the draft. Don’t be surprised if that receiver is Marvin McNutt.

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